512
CONTROVERSY RESPECTING THE NEW HAMPSHIRE GRANTS.
Office, and the execution of the Laws in force against Rioters, and for the protection of the livesand properties of His Majesty’s subjects.
That the idea, that a few lawless vagabonds, can prevail in such a Govern 1 as that of New York ,as to oblige its Gov r to have recourse to the Regular Troops to suppress them, appears to me to carry■with it such reflection of weakness as I am aft'raid would be attended with bad consequences, andrender the authority of the Civil Magistrate when not supported by the Troops, contemptible tothe Inhabitants.
I have further to observe that Crown Point, being entirely destroyed and unprovided for thequartering of Troops and Tieonderoga being in a most ruinous state ; such Troops as might be sentthither, would not be able to stay a sufficient time at those posts to render them of much utility.
If however you persist in your request and think it absolutely necessary to send troops thither, Ibeg to know the number of Troops you will think necessary, & when they may be wanted. Youwill also please to provide for the expenses that may attend their transportation ettc to these Posts.
I have the honor to be with the greatest
esteem and respect. Sir—your ettc
Fred: Haldimand.
ORDER IN COUNCIL ON GEN. HALDIMAND’S LETTER.
In Council September 8 th 1773.
The Council proceeding to the Consideration of General Haldimands Letter of the 1 st Instant,observed that the Board is not unacquainted with the Laws and Constitution of the Province,and owe that Regard to the Dignity of the Civil Authority as not to have advised a Requisition ofthe aid of the Military on the riotous Behaviour of a few lawless Vagabonds : That they conceivethe General would not have adopted such sentiments of the administration of the Governmenthad his Excellency been informed of the particular situation of that part of the Colony—That theBoard is still of the same opinion as to Propriety of the Measure, but as Crown Point is demolish’d,that two hundred Men to be at the Post of Tieonderoga as soon as conveniently may be, is a Forcesufficient to afford the proper assistance to the Civil Magistrate for the Preservation of thePeace—That it cannot be determined how long the Troops will be wanted, as their Service will bemore or less necessary according to the Behaviour of the neighbouring Inhabitants, and the Changeor Continuance of their present dangerous Disposition, and that as to the Charge that may attendthe Transportation of the Troops no Provision is made by the Province out of which it can bedefrayed.
It is Ordered by his Excellency the Governor with the advice of the Council that an Ordinanceissue establishing a Court of Common Pleas and a Court of General Sessions of the Peace to beheld annually in the County of Charlotte at the House of Patrick Smith Esquire near Fort Edwardon the third Tuesdays in the months of October & May.